Paolo Strippoli’s horror thriller “L’Estranea” (“The Spiral”) has been selected to represent Italy at the 99th Academy Awards, giving the country’s Oscar campaign an unexpected genre twist.
The 33-year-old director’s film was chosen on September 23 from 21 Italian films considered for the International Feature Film category. Among the films it beat were new works from Cannes winner Nanni Moretti and director Gabriele Muccino.
For Strippoli, the choice is significant not only because of his age but because of the kind of film Italy has chosen to send.
A different kind of Italian Oscar entry
“L’Estranea” is a horror and thriller film that premiered recently in Venice.
The story follows Anna, a mother who visits her daughter Alice’s apartment during a storm to reveal a deeply buried family secret and a dark pact from the past. The revelation begins to unravel their relationship.
The film stars Jasmine Trinca, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Adriano Giannini, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, and Andrea Genovese.
The Italian selection committee described it as a new genre film from a young filmmaker whose career is still taking shape and who has received acclaim from audiences and critics.
Strippoli said the decision was particularly striking because horror and thriller films have rarely been chosen to represent Italy at the Oscars, calling it an “unexpected and bold choice.”
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A young filmmaker gets a big vote of confidence
Strippoli, who was born in Puglia, said his age also made the selection especially meaningful.
At 33, he sees the decision as a sign of confidence not only in “L’Estranea” but in his own emerging career.
The film now moves into the next stage of the Oscar race.
The Academy is scheduled to announce the International Feature Film shortlist on Dec. 15, followed by the Oscar nominations on Jan. 21, 2027.
The 99th Academy Awards will take place in Los Angeles on March 14, 2027.
For now, Italy’s choice has already made its statement: this year, its Oscar contender is not taking the familiar route.
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